How to Recycle Electronics in Milwaukee:

A Practical Guide

Properly recycling electronics is essential for protecting the environment and conserving valuable resources. In Milwaukee, there are several options available to help you dispose of your e-waste responsibly.

Why Recycle Electronics?

Electronics contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium that can cause serious harm if not disposed of properly. Recycling these devices helps prevent pollution, recovers valuable materials, and reduces your carbon footprint. Improper disposal of electronics in the trash is not only detrimental to the environment but also illegal under regulations such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which mandates proper disposal of hazardous waste.

Specifically, under RCRA Subtitle C, often referred to as RCRA 8, regulations are in place to ensure that hazardous waste is managed responsibly. Electronics are considered hazardous waste if they contain certain toxic substances, and thus must be handled in accordance with these regulations. This includes proper recycling and disposal methods that prevent environmental contamination.

Additionally, lithium-ion batteries found in many electronics pose significant risks. They can catch fire or explode due to a chain reaction known as thermal runaway, which can trigger fires in landfills. Proper recycling ensures these batteries are handled safely and do not contribute to landfill fires or other hazards.

Where to Recycle Electronics in Milwaukee

You have multiple options for dropping off your e-waste and participating in electronics recycling events. Here are some key choices:

1. Milwaukee Drop-Off Centers

• Locations: Milwaukee has several city-run drop-off centers where residents can bring their e-waste.
• Accepted Items: Computers, monitors, TVs, cell phones, and other electronic devices.
• Availability: Check the City of Milwaukee website for updated hours and accepted materials. Visit the City of Milwaukee's website for information on disposing of electronics.
• Note: This is for individual consumers only and not offered for commercial businesses.
• NJT's verdict: This is a great low-cost option for most people. Especially if you want to get rid of TVs cheaply - up to three TVs per visit with a recycling fee of $5 per TV. All other electronics listed on the Drop Off Center website are accepted free of charge.

South: 3879 W Lincoln Avenue

North: 6660 N Industrial Road

2. Local Retailers

• Electronics Retailers & Computer Businesses: Commonly offer a free recycling program for most electronics, with some restrictions.
• Accepted Items: Accepts a wide range of electronic waste, including computers, printers, and phones, for recycling.
• NJT's Recommendations: Check their website or call ahead to make sure they will accept what you have.

3. Special Collection Events

• Milwaukee E-Waste Drives: The city occasionally hosts e-waste collection events where residents can drop off electronics for free recycling. Keep an eye on local event listings. Larger e-waste companies will also hold these events from time to time. This is a low-cost option but only happens on certain dates.

4. E-Waste Collection Companies/Centers

• Digital Bridge - 148 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
• Legacy Recycling - 9825 Durand Ave, Sturtevant, WI 53177
• File 13 E Waste Solutions LLC - 3008 Meier Rd, Madison, WI 53718
• Midwest Computer Recyclers - 1191 Huntington Ave, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

Preparing Your Electronics for Recycling

Before recycling your electronics, it's important to take a few preparatory steps:

• Data Wipe: Ensure that all personal data is removed from devices. Use software tools to securely erase data from computers and phones or physically damage the hard drives. If you are recycling items for free or at a low cost, don't expect data destruction to be included. Many collection centers offer this service for a fee.

• Separate Electronic Waste: Ensure that your electronic devices are not mixed with non-electronic waste. Proper separation helps streamline the recycling process and prevents contamination of materials.

• Maintain Good Condition: Handle your electronics with care, even when they're no longer in use. Keeping devices in good condition increases the likelihood that they can be refurbished, reused, or donated, extending their lifespan and benefiting others who may need them. This also ensures that more components can be recycled effectively, reducing waste, minimizing fire hazards and lowering environmental impact.

NJT Automation's Services

NJT Automation is committed to supporting the Milwaukee community and businesses with simple and efficient e-waste recycling solutions. Our company specializes in the refurbishment of industrial automation components, but we collect all types of electronics and then redistribute them through the proper channels to be either reused or recycled for materials.

• Pickup Service: Convenient pickup options are available for businesses with large quantities of e-waste.
• Certified Recycling: We partner with R2 certified recyclers to ensure compliance with all regulations.

Recycling with NJT Automation helps the environment and supports the economy by maximizing device reuse.